Tarris Reed assesses the value of facing Hunter Dickinson in practice

Michigan bounced back from two straight Big Ten conference losses Sunday by defeating Northwestern at home 85-78. In that game, freshman forward Tarris Reed stuffed the stat sheet off of the bench, making the most of his minutes and especially making an impact on the defensive end of the floor.

Week after week Reed has continued to grow in his first collegiate season, which can be partially attributed to having to practice against one of the nation’s best big men in teammate Hunter Dickinson. Following their win over Northwestern, Reed was asked how much facing Dickinson in practice has helped him grow as a player.

“It’s a lot, a lot, and I can see it in myself every day,” Reed said. “Day by day I’m getting better having to guard him, such a skilled big.”

Reed may battle some of the Big Ten’s best big men on a game-to-game basis, but on daily basis at practice, he faces the 7-foot-1 Dickinson, who ranks top five in the conference in points, rebounds, and blocks per game. He was a consensus All-American last season, a perennial Big Ten All-Conference selection, and has definitely been teaching Reed a thing or two during his first season as a collegiate athlete.

“I mean I’m learning from him, his touch around the rim is just elite, so every day I’m talking to him, picking my brain, we’re talking on the court. I tell him what I see, he tells me what he sees so we’re sharing each other’s thoughts and really getting better,” Reed said.

Iron sharpens iron, and it’s quite evident that’s been the case for both players this season. Dickinson has earned two Big Ten player of the week awards already this season, and in Michigan’s last two games, Reed has earned himself the most minutes he’s ever received in his career.

Reed also answered what area of his game Dickinson has helped out the most in so far during his career.

“I would say touch around the rim and patience. When he catches the ball, I struggle with catching it and trying to rush and try to go already. He said take your time, read what the defense is giving you, read everyone else, and then get to your move.

In 18 minutes versus Northwestern Reed tied his career high with six points, making all of his shots from the field and putting in a pair of electrifying dunks. He also ranked second on the team in rebounds with eight, adding two blocks and a steal to his night as well.

With Dickinson already established and Reed on the rise, Michigan’s front court play could be a key factor in their success, especially if they both continue to better each other as the season continues.